The two grandsons had been promised a trip to Lincoln for the Discover Lincolnshire weekend. They weren’t bothered about the cathedral or the castle, they wanted to go on a bus and into the bus museum.
The museum was open free for the weekend and was running an hourly circular shuttle service from the museum via the railway station, cathedral and Museum of Lincolnshire Life. We decided to go on the bus first before visiting the museum.
There were at least three buses out running; the rest were inside the museum. For any one who hasn’t visited, this is an excellent small museum with over sixty buses, cars, vans, lorries, fire appliances and motorcycles on display. There are old road signs as well as uniforms and ticket machines.
The grandsons were pleased to be allowed to go on several of the buses in the museum as well as the small Kesteven Fire brigade van.
The display area is crammed with vehicles and there is something for everyone. It is a treasure trove of bus names with Leyland Lion, badger, panther, tiger and a more recent Olympian. Bristol is well represented with VRs, RELL and a Lodekka. Add in AEC Regent and Regal as well as Guy Arab and Daimler.
There are examples of Bedford and Morris vans as well as the military version of an Austin Champ.
Cars include Austin 7, 190, 12, 16 and 18. Many of us will remember the Hillman Minx or Rover 2000. The 1939 Jaguar 2.5l saloon is real class.
At the rear of the building are the workshops with several buses and cars currently receiving attention.
Staff are all volunteers and passionate about road transport and especially buses. Vehicles are beautifully maintained and preserved.
The museum has full disabled access. There is a wheelchair route around the building which allows you to see the vehicles. Space between vehicles is limited. Assistance dogs are allowed in the building, but they don’t have any information in braille or hearing loops There are disabled toilets. Entry is £3 or £2.50 for concessions. (Admission on the two running days is more expensive.)
On special event days there are refreshments available. Alternatively, the Swan Holme on Doddington Road just round the corner from the museum has a range of real ales on hand pumps and serves meals.
For anyone who likes old vehicles, this is the place to come. There is a lot to see, so allow yourselves plenty of time to wallow in nostalgia.
